Teaching with Little Ones

This is my first year trying to homeschool 3, seriously. Last year T-Rex was not interested in learning but this year he is revealing tom e that he is ready to learn and I want to at least try to have some quiet learning times with him, gently guiding him towards his abc’s and 123’s and other simple basic lessons. Butterfly on the other hand was born ready to learn! She is a natural learner, she absorbs knowledge and looks for more. I know that I will need something to keep her little growing mind busy while I try to engage with Superman as well as T-Rex at times. So the question… what to do with these 2 deliciously curious and messy little ones? How do I keep them busy when I need them to but not just “busy” but engaged in some sort of learning that will be interesting, challenging (but not frustrating) and self guided with little to no help from mommy?

Well, yesterday I stumbled on something called Preschool Activity Bags, heard of them? I have but haven’t paid much attention to them until now… they are also known as Preschool Workboxes, or so I think… they seem like the same concept.

I plan on using these along side FIAR with my T-Rex who is 5 not quite K-5 though because like I said he has been to busy playing to learn, although he is a smart and very talented boy all his own. He never ceases to amaze me with his creativity, imagination and artistic abilities. I think for him, who has always been repelled by any kind of “formal” learning will enjoy FIAR and these Preschool Activity Bags… I am also going to try a phonics program with him. Either by using the Leap Frog series (he loves tad) or purchasing a simple one online (if you have any suggestions let me know). I have looked at Zoo Phonics but don’t really want to spend that much money right now. There is also Starfall which I love and it is free that I could use to inhance any abc lessons. Letter of the Week is an awesome free curriculum and thorough.

For my 2 year old I will use blanket time or you can use a hula hoop and my own activity bags, if the activity bags are not at her level. I might use Letter of the Week with her as well. I am praying that I will be able to have activities and just a general good plan for her so that she feels loved and is not just left alone to fend for herself.

Another thing for me is that our lessons will only go for 20-30 minutes each and then we will take a family break where we do something together for 5-10 minutes whether it is read a book, dance to some music, sing songs, pray or just tell sill stories. I want our school days to be a living, loving and learning experience for us all! Well I hear little voices and the sound of legos so I better get busy with breakfast this morning… have a blessed day!!

JOYfully in Him,

Kelli

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5 Responses

Workboxes are not exactly the same as activity bags. They are a way of scheduling the activity bags so that T-Rex and Butterfly know what to do next with out constantly asking Mommy. It gives them a visual of their day & gives them a sense of accomplishment as they move their little tags when they complete an activity.

I used to have the Activity Bags book. It is good, but if you have not ordered it yet (& want to save some money) I have some websites with lots of the same ideas for free.

I have 110 workbox idea websites bookmarked, most of which can also be used for activity bags. I am setting them up for all of my kids (not w/shoeboxes though -too expensive & too much space). I will be posting them a few at a time on my blog soon.

I have heard of FIAR and I dont know why I havent thought of that with my middle one….I have never heard of the Activity Bags or workboxes, but I will be looking into alot of it..it sounds like a great idea… Thanks Kelli!! And to Amy, Thank you for all the links…

Starfall – lots of fun lessons & stories that are easy for little ones to navigate, plus printable worksheets to go with the lessonshttp://www.starfall.com/

Honestly, I wouldn’t do much more than sound recognition right now if he is resistant. He is such a young K. Just play some games out of making 3 letter words, rhyming, beginning or ending sounds. I know I have some links for some file folder games or activities along those lines – I’ll have to dig around. (Ok, I’m starting to feel like a dork for always having a link to something. LOL What’s the meaning of life? Hang on, I think I might have a link for that. LOL)

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